Madeira Island Walking

On arrival at Funchal airport, a short taxi transfer is included to Machico on the east coast. Machico was the landing point when the island was discovered. This peculiar corner of the island boasts the oldest church, the 'Capela dos Milagres', and two forts still bear witness of the locals’ defence against the many pirate attacks on the village. Accommodation: Stay for two nights at either a hotel by the ocean or a small residencial (guesthouse). All rooms have private facilities. Both the hotels and guesthouses have their own restaurants where you can enjoy your evening meals, and there are also several other good places to eat nearby.

After breakfast you have a choice of two walks. Option 1: This is for walkers with a head for heights and in reasonable weather without high winds. Taxi or walk to the start of the Levada de Canical, which you will soon leave to climb to the Boca de Risco pass (300m). From there a cliff hugging coastal path takes you along the wildest stretch of coastline in Madeira, round the Espigao Amarelo, an exposed path with large drop below and down to Larano (200m). From Larano walk down road to Porto da Cruz and transfer by road (included in tour price) back to Machico. Option 2: An easier option that can be done in adverse weather. Taxi or walk to the start of the Levada de Canical. You can follow this to its source near Ribeira de Machico/Marocos and transfer (included) back to your hotel in Machico in the afternoon. This levada was built in relatively recent times and is easy to follow. Both walks can be extended by 4.4km, 1.5 hours and over 300 metres of ascent by walking from Machico up to the viewpoint of Pico de Facho (322m) and then down to the start of the levada (irrigation channel) by the Canical Tunnel.

A circular coastal walk around the Sao Lourenco peninsula, on the eastern point of Madeira island. This is different to any other walk during your week in Madeira, taking a trek through the volcanic remains, which are now a nature reserve. There are spectacular cliff views and wonderful flowers. Accommodation: Overnight in Santo da Serra, a village situated on a broad ridge at 650m above sea level. Two nights in a charming hotel, located near the village centre. All rooms have en-suite facilities. The hotel has its own restaurant and an attractive large garden. *Today's walk includes an early morning transfer to the start and a transfer back from the end.

Transfer to Monte (included), at 550m high in the hills above Funchal. You have time to visit the tropical gardens and palace, and even take the wicker sledge ride down the road a couple of km. However, today's walk is one of those Madieran classics, starting at the top station of the cable car that comes up from Funchal. This is at the northeast corner of the Tropical Garden. You will follow the Levada dos Tornos and then climb up the hillside to follow the Levada da Serra. This levada contours at a higher level (about 750m) around the head of the ‘Valley of Paradise’. You reach Camacha (700m), from where you will be transferred back to Santo da Serra.

Today you follow the Levada do Furado up into the wild, forested hills of the Madeira Natural Park. With magnificent views at a number of points, the levada threads its way along the hillsides covered with Laurisilva vegetation and the water is very pure. Today’s levada is a whole lot more dramatic and challenging than anything on the previous walks; with narrower paths and uneven going underfoot. At Ribeiro Frio (Cold Stream, 850m above the sea) you are met and transferred to Santana, a village set, 400m/1300 feet above the north coast (transfer included in tour price). Overnight in Santana. This village, perched on a shelf high above the north coast, is known for its traditional architecture.You will be driven to Santana this afternoon for the next part of your holiday. Accommodation: Stay at a 4* pension. Rooms have hair dryer, cable TV, double-glazing and balcony, with views over the fields and countryside. General facilities include a small indoor pool, sauna etc. The hotel has a popular restaurant and offers traditional island fayre. *Request with us an extra day & night in Santana in order to walk the levada from Queimadas to Ilha via Caldeirao Verde, another beautiful walk!

Time to head up into the high mountains for a spectacular walk along the highest ridge in the centre of the island. The walk starts with a road transfer (included) up to Achado do Teixeira (1592m), from where it is about an hours walk to the Pico Ruivo Shelter House (1700m), near the highest summit in Madeira. There are more ‘downs’ than ‘ups’ and you eventually descend to Ilha from where you will be transferred to your hotel in Encumeada. Accommodation: Our mountain pension is a welcoming destination after a long day in the hills. All rooms have en-suite facilities, balcony with mountain or valley views, TV, and phone. The public lounge has a fireplace. The restaurant and bar are in traditional rustic style. There is an outside drinks terrace. The natural setting of the hotel among the forest and peaks is quite outstanding. *Today's route does need reasonable weather conditions and an excellent level of fitness. If the weather outlook is poor, the path is closed, or you feel this is not for you, you can ride with your baggage from Santana to Encumeada for an alternative walk, to Ginjas (13 km/8 miles, 3.5 h bus or taxi back to Encumeada not included). **Please note that since the wildfires of August 2024 the path between Casa Pico Ruivo and Encumeada is unaccessible. Until the paths have been restored and the trail officially has reopened, you can still access the Pico Ruivo Shelter House, after which you descend to Queimadas instead.

Today you will be transferred from Encumeada to Boa Morte and the Levada do Norte as it contours around the mountainside, crossing two tiny farmlng areas (Campanário and Quinta Grande) to finish at the amazing viewpoint of Cabo Girão. From here you take a local bus to Funchal. Accommodation: We use a 4-star hotel which is located within walking distance from the centre of Funchal. The hotel has fully equipped rooms, with TV. It also has a good restaurant, swimming pool, a small fitness room, etc.